US PResident Barack Obama in the Oval Office 370 (R).
(photo credit:REUTERS/Jason Reed)

US President Barack Obama emphasized the shared values of the United
States and Israel and Washington's steadfast commitment to the Jewish
state in a letter sent to President Shimon Peres on the occasion of
Independence Day this week.

The US president sent his "warmest
regards and congratulations on behalf of the American people" ahead of
the 64th anniversary of Israel's independence.

Obama wrote that "based on shared values and interests, the bonds between our two countries are deep and strong."

"In
a time of momentous change," he continued," the United States remains
steadfast in its commitment to Israel's security and a comprehensive
peace in the region."

Noting cooperative work to pursue common
goals and meet shared challenges, the US president added, "I wish the
State of Israel continued prosperity and a peaceful future."

“‘Never
again’ is a challenge to defend the fundamental right of free people
and free nations to exist in peace and security – and that includes the
State of Israel,” said Obama, speaking at the United States Holocaust
Memorial Museum in honor of the annual commemoration of the Shoah. “I
will always be there for Israel.”Related:

He continued, “When
faced with a regime that threatens global security and denies the
Holocaust and threatens to destroy Israel, the United States will do
everything in our power to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.”

Obama
also said that, “‘Never again’ is a challenge to reject hatred in all
of its forms – including anti-Semitism, which has no place in a
civilized world.”